What did neophytes do at Mission San Gabriel Arcangel?

Answer 1

At Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, neophytes, or newly converted Native Americans, engaged in various activities including farming, livestock herding, and participating in religious instruction. They learned European agricultural techniques and crafts as part of their integration into mission life, which aimed to convert them to Christianity and assimilate them into Spanish culture. Additionally, neophytes helped with the construction and maintenance of mission buildings. Their daily lives were structured around both labor and spiritual education.